Defoe relishes Spurs return

07 January 2009 07:39

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England striker Jermain Defoe says he is delighted to have sealed a return to Tottenham Hotspur after almost exactly a year away with Portsmouth.
The 26-year-old scored 17 goals in 36 appearances for Pompey, but is now back at White Hart Lane after a deal worth a total of around £15million was agreed between the two clubs.
"It's great to be back and I'm looking forward to the challenge," Defoe told Sky Sports. "It's hard to put it into words, it's brilliant.
"A number of things made me return. Obviously everyone knows the manager was a major factor.
"I never wanted to leave, but as a professional there comes a time when you think you need to move on.
"I did in order to improve my England career, but I didn't want to go in the first place."
Defoe had earlier commented: "I've enjoyed my time here (at Portsmouth) immensely.
"But I can't deny that Harry Redknapp's departure as manager hit me hard, particularly because he was the reason why I joined Portsmouth in the first place.
"I left Tottenham to join Portsmouth with the intention of working with Harry for a considerable time to come.
"I could have gone to other clubs when I left Tottenham, but I wanted to work with Harry."